Artwork
The Tale of Genji
The Tale of Genji is an unspecified painting by the Nanga artist Unknown. It dates from 1649 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.
About this work
Overview
The work is a six‑panel Japanese folding screen illustrating episodes from the classic narrative known as The Tale of Genji. Each panel presents figures in traditional attire against a luminous gold ground, punctuated by restrained black and white details that emphasize the composition’s elegance.
Subject & Meaning
The scenes portray characters from the Heian‑period romance, positioned in various postures, seated, standing, or in motion, suggesting moments of courtly interaction and contemplation. The inclusion of architectural elements such as a bridge and a building, alongside stylized trees, underscores the narrative’s setting within refined aristocratic spaces.
Technique & Style
Executed on paper or silk, the screen employs gold leaf as a unifying background, a common practice in Japanese screen painting to convey luxury. The figures are rendered with delicate line work and subtle shading, while the limited palette of black, white, and gold highlights the formal restraint characteristic of courtly visual culture.
History & Provenance
The screen is part of a collection that includes works related to Japanese narrative art, and it has been displayed at institutions such as the Art Institute of Chicago, where it contributes to the museum’s representation of East Asian decorative arts.
Artist & collection
- The Tale of Genji
Scenes from the Tale of Genji
Scenes from the Tale of Genji
Scenes from the Tale of Genji
Scenes from the Tale of Genji
Scene from "The Tale of Genji": from the chapter "The Maiden"
Tale of Genji Screen (Genji monogatari zu shikishi harimaze byōbu)
The Tale of Genji
Scenes from the Tale of Genji
Scenes from the Tales of Ise
The Tale of Genji
Scenes from the Tales of Ise